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Lady Gaga's powerful Oscars performance gave her the strength she needed to speak out about her sexual assault

Lady Gaga's moving performance of "Til It Happens to You," which she performed on the Oscars stage surrounded by 50 survivors of sexual assault, has inspired many women to speak out about their own experiences — but it's also given Gaga the courage she needed to discuss her rape with family members.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday evening, Gaga uploaded a photo of some of the important women in her life and explained how she was finally able to tell her aunt Sheri and her grandmother, that she, too, was a survivor.

"My grandmother (in the middle) and my Aunt Sheri (on the right) both called me the day after the Oscars because I never told them I was a survivor," Gaga wrote in the caption. "I was too ashamed. Too afraid. And it took me a long time to even admit it to myself because I'm Catholic, and I knew it was evil, but I thought it was my fault. I thought it was my fault for 10 years."

But Gaga's Oscars performance gave her the strength she needed to come forward and share her story, something that has left her loved ones feeling very moved.

She wrote, "The morning after the Oscars when I talked to my grandmother Ronnie, with tears in her eyes I could hear them welling through the phone she said to me, 'My darling granddaughter, I've never been more proud of you than I am today.' Something I have kept a secret for so long that I was more ashamed of than anything — became the thing the women in my life were the most proud of. And not just any women, the ones I look up to the most. #BeBrave #speakup #tilithappenstoyou."

Unsurprisingly, Gaga's words have touched many, and commenters have applauded her for her courage, and for serving as an inspiration.

"So brave, love you," trinitymc3 wrote.

"I just love you so much for being the brave, strong and wonderful woman you are Gaga," sashakaylafierce shared. "You inspire everyone to speak out and to love ourselves. I am so proud of you and I am so happy you have such a great supportive family. You are the best @ladygaga and one day I will tell you that face to face because I need to meet you one day my biggest inspiration."

Another commenter thanked Gaga for her post, explaining how after all these years she can finally admit what happened to her, too.

"I too am a survivor & you inspire me, I've kept it held inside for yrs & yrs," she wrote. "Some people know & some do not...i am now 52yrs old with a bday coming up March 9th,this happened to me nearly 38yrs ago...the sad part is this was my bffs brother, till this day we are still bffs & she has not spoken to him ever since...we never speak of it anymore, we just move on...love you lady Gaga."

Did Lady Gaga's performance inspire you? Do you think she has sparked change and shined a light on sexual assault victims? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.